IREX Moldova vacancy - Communication Specialist - Extended

Location: Chisinau, Moldova

Group/Practice/Unit: Communities and Governance Practice

Timeframe: Approximately 3 years, contingent upon continued funding of the project by the program’s funder

IREX is a global development and education organization. We strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world—where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people, and communities thrive. With a projected annual portfolio of more than $100 million and more than 600 staff worldwide, we work with partners in more than 100 countries in four areas essential to progress: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information.

Comunitatea Mea (CM) is a program administered by IREX and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The program’s purpose is to a) improve the capacity of local authorities, including their ability to work inclusively with citizens and civil society, to increase revenues, improve financial management practices, and b) build on this work with localities to improve the functionality of fiscal, administrative and political arrangements between the central and local governments to improve public services for residents of Moldova and increase their trust in public sector institutions.

Summary of Position:

The Communications Specialist will conduct and coordinate project communication activities, and will ensure that project staff and partners understand and implement the project communications strategy and adhere to communications guidelines. The incumbent will be responsible for the performance of the assigned tasks within the Comunitatea Mea program, including meeting programmatic goals, remaining compliant with IREX and USAID regulations. He/She will report to the Comunitatea Mea Program Chief of Party. The position is based in the Chisinau project office with travel as needed throughout Moldova and regular phone and videoconference communication with Washington, DC based staff.

Your Background & Skills

• At least 3-4 years of experience working in the communications field;
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in international development, journalism, public relations communications or related field is mandatory;
• Professional proficiency in Romanian, English and Russian is mandatory;
• Relevant professional work experience on USAID-funded projects highly preferred;
• Strong communication skills, including excellent editing, writing, and presentation skills;
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Exceptional project management and coordination skills;
• Experience researching, planning, and developing high-quality, engaging social media content;
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing outreach and awareness raising campaigns;
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated pro-active approach to problem solving;
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office software, Canva, and Google communications;
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of  civil society and local governance in Moldova;
• You must have unrestricted authorization to work in Moldova.

Your Daily Tasks

The Communications Specialist will assume the following job duties and responsibilities: 

• Lead the design and delivery of an integrated communications strategy that supports the program goals.
• Research, write and edit copy for digital and print publications, infographics, social media channels, news releases, talking points, briefers, and other public relations positioning documents.
• Provide capacity building and guidance to program beneficiaries to support their communications efforts as well as contributions to overall project outreach strategy.
• Work with producers and reporters in print, online and broadcast media both at local and national levels to generate greater coverage of Comunitatea Mea successes and the support of the US Government to Moldovan communities.
• Lead the organization of public events such as inaugurations, press tours, press conferences, etc.
• Prepare materials for printing in line with USAID's visual guidelines, advising on print solutions, coordinating with printing houses, and ensuring delivery of high-quality end products.
• Coordinate layouts and graphic design for project collaterals, liaising with professional companies, and produce simple graphic designs (e.g., reports, posters, infographics, factsheets, etc.) using a variety of software including Canva, Piktochart, Word, and PowerPoint for internal and external audiences, and for presentation, print and online use.
• Maintain and ensure the promotion of the USAID and IREX visibility on the Program's Facebook channel.
• Serve as the program spokesperson, event moderator and take the lead in organizing various communication initiatives aimed the raise the profile of successful mayors and staff working for local public authorities.
• Coordinate the production of video materials on top performing mayors that have successfully implemented infrastructure projects, integrated GESI to advance gender equality and social inclusion and more generally promoted democratic local governance in their communities.
• Maintain and update a pool of journalist and editors, professional photographs, video production teams, print companies, PR agencies, designers. 
• Coordinate internal communication and information flow between various departments; producing and delivering messages on behalf of the management and facilitating a dialogue between the colleagues to give a more holistic view on the CM communication effort.
• Provide required communications inputs to project reporting (bi-weekly, monthly plans, quarterly and annual reports, and the annual implementation plan);
• Other duties as assigned;

To apply:

Submit your application to: Communications Specialist, Communities & Governance Practice | IREX Job Board (ultipro.com)

Applicants may be selected for an interview on a rolling basis.